Reflecting on my Freshman Session
July 4, 2017
My first legislative session was exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, and even a bit frustrating at times. I can truly say that I woke up every day excited to fight for the people of the 34th District. Reflecting on my first year, I've learned an incredible amount, more than I ever would have thought possible and overcome a couple of obstacles too. I served on the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and full Committee. I also served on the full State Government Committee. I sponsored 9 bills, co-sponsored 30 bills and passed 90 resolutions.
During the first half of the 110th General Assembly, I focused my efforts on passing commonsense legislative initiatives that support education and infrastructure; protect freedom of speech, rights of unborn, religious freedoms, and 2nd amendment rights. All while promoting economic development in Rutherford County and throughout communities across the state. Additionally, I fought against unwarranted tax increases, misallocation of tax dollars and a dramatic expansion of state government.
The legislative process is only a part of the duties of being a state Representative. My office has sought to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. We’ve resolved issues like delayed unemployment benefits, access to social services, property tax relief, healthcare fraud, highway issues, government outsourcing, abusive family situations, and government customer service.
Throughout my 30 years in politics and as a grassroots activist, I’ve earned a reputation for being conservative, honest, and not afraid to express my opinion, while still working well with all sides, that is called leadership. This session, I’ve worked with Conservatives, Moderate Republicans, and Democrats to pass meaningful legislation. I’ve learned in business and politics that collaboration and constructive conversations are required for a successful business and for effective government.
I am appreciative of this opportunity to represent the 34th District and I thank you. If you should need to contact myself or my office, call my office at 615-741-2804 or email at: Rep.Tim.Rudd@Capitol.TN.gov. Mail to: 301 6th Avenue North, Suite 107, War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243.
Very Sincerely,
Rep. Tim Rudd, 34th District
July 4, 2017
My first legislative session was exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, and even a bit frustrating at times. I can truly say that I woke up every day excited to fight for the people of the 34th District. Reflecting on my first year, I've learned an incredible amount, more than I ever would have thought possible and overcome a couple of obstacles too. I served on the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and full Committee. I also served on the full State Government Committee. I sponsored 9 bills, co-sponsored 30 bills and passed 90 resolutions.
During the first half of the 110th General Assembly, I focused my efforts on passing commonsense legislative initiatives that support education and infrastructure; protect freedom of speech, rights of unborn, religious freedoms, and 2nd amendment rights. All while promoting economic development in Rutherford County and throughout communities across the state. Additionally, I fought against unwarranted tax increases, misallocation of tax dollars and a dramatic expansion of state government.
The legislative process is only a part of the duties of being a state Representative. My office has sought to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. We’ve resolved issues like delayed unemployment benefits, access to social services, property tax relief, healthcare fraud, highway issues, government outsourcing, abusive family situations, and government customer service.
Throughout my 30 years in politics and as a grassroots activist, I’ve earned a reputation for being conservative, honest, and not afraid to express my opinion, while still working well with all sides, that is called leadership. This session, I’ve worked with Conservatives, Moderate Republicans, and Democrats to pass meaningful legislation. I’ve learned in business and politics that collaboration and constructive conversations are required for a successful business and for effective government.
I am appreciative of this opportunity to represent the 34th District and I thank you. If you should need to contact myself or my office, call my office at 615-741-2804 or email at: Rep.Tim.Rudd@Capitol.TN.gov. Mail to: 301 6th Avenue North, Suite 107, War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243.
Very Sincerely,
Rep. Tim Rudd, 34th District
Legislative Accomplishments, 2017
State Budget Breakdown
The General Assembly passed its $37 billion budget. Among the appropriations in this year’s budget is a nearly $250 million increase in health-related investments, including: $1 million for home and community based care choices for elderly, $1.4 million to combat elderly abuse and exploitation, $10 million for children’s services, $26 million for mental health, $181 million increase for TennCare, $10.5 million for fire relief for East Tennessee, and $1 million for food banks across the state. Other appropriations include: Over $200 million for fully funding BEP, more than $200 million for teachers, and $8.9 million for the STRONG Act. Other Investments include over $45 million for broadband expansion, $130 million for rainy day fund, and $660 million for capital improvements.
Leading the Way on Workers’ Compensation Reform
House Bill 325, authorizes the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to use money from the Subsequent Injury & Vocational Recovery Fund to provide job recovery assistance and education to employees limited by a work-related injury who may not be able to return to their current job. The legislation is also designed to cut down on the number of fraud cases involving workers’ compensation claims across the state.
We must protect Tennesseans who suffer work-related injuries from the burdens of medical expenses and lost wages while they are not able to work. House Bill 325 enables Tennessee workers to utilize educational opportunities that can help them find better or new employment when unable to return to their current position,
Reducing the Size of Government
I sponsored HB0588 dealing with charitable solicitations. The bill deletes the registration requirement to the professional fundraising counsel. The Secretary of State’s office already has existing staff to handle oversite.
Another bill I sponsored was HB0931, which addresses public health in workshops. It repeals obsolete miscellaneous sanitary regulations that are no longer inspected The Department of Health.
Creating A Culture of Respect for Tennessee’s Educators
I co-sponsored legislation that establishes a strong foundation for the rights of Tennessee’s educators. House Bill 174, also known as the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights”, ensures that licensed educators in our state are treated with civility and that their judgment and discretion is respected.
The “Teacher’s Bill of Rights” promotes safe environments for educators and students and allows for the sharing of information about a student’s educational experience, health or safety between teachers and parents or legal guardians of students. It also affords educators the opportunity to review instructional materials and curriculum prior to their use and protects educators from using their own money to equip classrooms.
Middle College Scholarship for High School Students
House Bill 980 creates the Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program and expands eligibility for the Tennessee HOPE scholarship to students who earn an associate degree from a state community college. The program uses proceeds from the Tennessee Lottery to help fund the two-year scholarship program for rising high school juniors who are interested in earning their degree from a community college while they also work toward completing high school.
The Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program is open to Tennessee students who are admitted to, and enrolled in, an eligible public two-year community college that partners with a local school district to offer middle college courses beginning in the fall semester of a student’s junior year in high school. Under scholarship guidelines, students must also maintain a cumulative 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) during their duel enrollment semesters. An estimated 300 Tennessee high school students could benefit from the new Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program.
This program allows students an opportunity to enter the workforce upon graduation from high school and secure better paying jobs. It also assists those who are interested in earning their bachelor’s degree by alleviating the burden of debt that so many of our young people face in this day and age.
Tennessee Educators Protection Act of 2017
I proudly sponsored legislation (HB1196) protecting teachers, principals, volunteers, administrative staff and School Board members from frivolous lawsuits and pathways for seeking damages against knowingly false charges of criminal activity. The “Tennessee Educators Protections Act of 2017” expands previous liability protections to all school employees, authorized volunteers and school board members.
It was my sincere pleasure to write this legislation. I worked with all concerned groups from the Trial Lawyers, Superintendents Association to Teachers organizations and advocates for disabled children to provide sweeping protections against frivolous lawsuits. Our educators work tirelessly for our children, they deserve to be able to do their job without the fear of retaliatory threats and intimidation hanging over their heads.
Educational Opportunities for Tennessee National Guard
HB0530 – The Tennessee STRONG (Support, Training and Renewing Opportunity for National Guard) Act establishes a four-year pilot program for eligible members of the Tennessee National Guard to receive a last-dollar tuition reimbursement toward a first-time bachelor’s degree. It is part of a broader initiative by Republican lawmakers to help veterans, their families, and all those involved with protecting Tennessee and the United States.
Our military heroes make daily sacrifices so that we can enjoy safety and freedom. I supported this legislation because it ensures they will not have to sacrifice their educational dreams for fear of financial struggle.
Free College Tuition for Adults
The Tennessee Reconnect Act (HB 531) establishes a scholarship for adults to attend a community college tuition-free. There are over 900,000 adults in Tennessee who have some college but no degree. Tennessee adults without a certificate can already attend Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) tuition-free under the current Reconnect program. The Tennessee Reconnect Act adds community colleges to the program, funded through surplus lottery proceeds.
While I commend Gov. Haslam for his commitment to education and job training, I could not support The Reconnect Act because I simply could not justify a further expansion of higher education when our K-12 is so underfunded and being crushed under the weight of over $100,000,000 in unfunded mandates by the state. Those lottery surpluses should have gone to K-12 infrastructure first.
Strengthening Tennessee Campaign Finance Laws
Tennessee campaign finance laws were strengthened, with House Republicans leading the charge to require funds donated to a campaign be deposited and maintained in a traditional bank or credit union account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Under House Bill 704, any investment not authorized would be prohibited and the candidate, or in the case of a multicandidate political campaign committee, the treasurer, would be subject to a civil penalty by the Registry of Election Finance of not more than $10,000 or 115 percent of the amount invested.
The legislation also strengthens the state’s campaign finance laws by requiring that any interest, dividends, or income earned on campaign funds by an investment be reported on the candidate’s financial disclosure.
Broadband Accessibility Act Passed Successfully
House Bill 529, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, permits Tennessee’s nonprofit electric cooperatives to provide retail broadband service while also providing $45 million over three years in grants and tax credits for service providers to assist in making broadband available to underserved homes and businesses. In addition, the plan makes grant funding available to the state’s local libraries to help residents improve their digital literacy skills and maximize the benefits of broadband.
Tennessee ranks 29th in the country for broadband access, with 13 percent of the state lacking accessibility to high speed internet. While only 2 percent of the state’s urban citizens lack access, 34 percent of rural residents are without coverage, placing them at a distinct disadvantage over their city counterparts.
I want to commend Gov. Haslam for his support of this legislation. This is a great beginning; this act is a reasonable, responsible path to improve broadband access through investment, deregulation and education.
Driverless Vehicles on Tennessee Roads
While the bill allows the deployment, and use of autonomous vehicles on public roads within the state of Tennessee, the new law only applies to vehicle manufacturers who wish to design and test their vehicles on public roads. These manufacturers will be liable for any damages their vehicles cause where the vehicle is at fault. However, the manufacturer will not be liable if anyone has tampered with the autonomous software without the manufacturer’s consent. I voted against this legislation because the autonomous technology is still in its infancy, and I was not prepared to risk the lives and safety of Tennesseans on technology that is unproven.
Upholding the Constitution & 2nd Amendment Rights Strengthened
House Bill 508 creates a private cause of action for a party that is adversely affected by a local ordinance, resolution, policy, rule, or other enactment on firearms preempted by state law. This bill would prohibit local government entities from prohibiting or restricting firearms on government property unless certain conditions are met.
Local government can lose their current legal protections against lawsuits when the court dispute involves restrictions on carrying weapons in a park, zoo, auditoriums and the like. They are stripped of immunity unless they buy metal detectors, hire security staff, check bags and take other security precautions.
There are some public buildings not covered by the bill, including mental health facilities, school property and property used for school activities, buildings where there are judicial proceedings, and law enforcement buildings.
Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act
HB1199 is a critical bill that protects a citizen’s right to express their political freedom of speech. It is one of the first pieces of legislation in the nation to successfully guarantee a citizen’s right to display political signs on the property they own and maintain in a HOA (Home Owner’s Associations).
I’ve worked in hundreds of campaigns over the last 30 years, and one consistent problem has been the blatant violation and or misinterpretation of the 1995 and 2015 Supreme Court decisions that guarantees a person’s constitutional right to display political signs on private property.
The legislation does not mention sign regulation for non-political signage. It will be up to local governments to conform their codes to this legislation and make those local codes constitutional when dealing with non-political signs such as commercial. It states that local governments may not restrict the number of total signs on a property, but may have reasonable restrictions on individual sign quantities of each message, candidate or issue.
This legislation is not retroactive regarding HOAs, covenants, and restrictions. It only applies to such agreements going forward or when changed. However, local codes, regulations and planning are effective July 1, 2017 and must come into compliance.
Additional Protections Against Child Predators
Communities across Tennessee already rely on the state’s sex offender registry to track and monitor convicted offenders who have moved into permanent residences upon release from prison.
House Bill 404 enables law enforcement officials to monitor offenders convicted of child rape or a child sexual predator offense who may not have a permanent address by requiring them to enroll in a satellite-based monitoring and supervision program. Anyone in Tennessee who has been convicted of a crime against a child on or after July 1, 2017 that does not have a permanent or secondary address must enroll in the program and remain in it for the duration of their parole term.
Stop Child Predators, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child exploitation and other crimes against children, estimates that 1 in 5 girls are exploited before they reach adulthood.
The new monitoring system will allow law enforcement to determine if probation or parole has been violated by showing the location of the sexual offender, regardless of whether they have a permanent address. This legislation adds an additional layer of protection for Tennessee children against predators.
Defining the Meaning of Ordinary Words
HB1111 passed into law this session. It requires that undefined words be given their natural and ordinary meaning, without forced or subtle construction that would limit or extend the meaning of the language, except when a contrary intention is clearly manifest. This legislation is similar to HB0033 (Stalled in House and Senate Committees), which specifically singles out “husband”, “wife”, “mother”, and “father” as words that should be given their natural and ordinary meaning.
Liberal activist judges continue their assault on the constitution and traditional American values that have sustained us for over 240 years. I voted for this legislation (HB1111) and support HB0033 because Judges do not have the authority or constitutional right to rewrite laws and define values. That is strictly a legislative and ballot process.
Protection for the Unborn
I proudly co-sponsored this legislation that protects the lives of Tennessee’s unborn children. House Bill 1189, also known as the Tennessee Infants Protection Act, prohibits abortions — except in medical emergency — after 24 weeks and requires testing to determine viability of an unborn child if a woman is at least 20 weeks pregnant. It also holds physicians who perform late-term abortions accountable for their actions. Similar legislation has already passed in more than 20 other states.
This historic legislation that protects Tennessee’s unborn children and gives them the opportunity for life. I said I would protect the unborn and that is what I’ve done. This legislation is another important victory for Tennessee children, mothers, and families.
State Budget Breakdown
The General Assembly passed its $37 billion budget. Among the appropriations in this year’s budget is a nearly $250 million increase in health-related investments, including: $1 million for home and community based care choices for elderly, $1.4 million to combat elderly abuse and exploitation, $10 million for children’s services, $26 million for mental health, $181 million increase for TennCare, $10.5 million for fire relief for East Tennessee, and $1 million for food banks across the state. Other appropriations include: Over $200 million for fully funding BEP, more than $200 million for teachers, and $8.9 million for the STRONG Act. Other Investments include over $45 million for broadband expansion, $130 million for rainy day fund, and $660 million for capital improvements.
Leading the Way on Workers’ Compensation Reform
House Bill 325, authorizes the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to use money from the Subsequent Injury & Vocational Recovery Fund to provide job recovery assistance and education to employees limited by a work-related injury who may not be able to return to their current job. The legislation is also designed to cut down on the number of fraud cases involving workers’ compensation claims across the state.
We must protect Tennesseans who suffer work-related injuries from the burdens of medical expenses and lost wages while they are not able to work. House Bill 325 enables Tennessee workers to utilize educational opportunities that can help them find better or new employment when unable to return to their current position,
Reducing the Size of Government
I sponsored HB0588 dealing with charitable solicitations. The bill deletes the registration requirement to the professional fundraising counsel. The Secretary of State’s office already has existing staff to handle oversite.
Another bill I sponsored was HB0931, which addresses public health in workshops. It repeals obsolete miscellaneous sanitary regulations that are no longer inspected The Department of Health.
Creating A Culture of Respect for Tennessee’s Educators
I co-sponsored legislation that establishes a strong foundation for the rights of Tennessee’s educators. House Bill 174, also known as the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights”, ensures that licensed educators in our state are treated with civility and that their judgment and discretion is respected.
The “Teacher’s Bill of Rights” promotes safe environments for educators and students and allows for the sharing of information about a student’s educational experience, health or safety between teachers and parents or legal guardians of students. It also affords educators the opportunity to review instructional materials and curriculum prior to their use and protects educators from using their own money to equip classrooms.
Middle College Scholarship for High School Students
House Bill 980 creates the Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program and expands eligibility for the Tennessee HOPE scholarship to students who earn an associate degree from a state community college. The program uses proceeds from the Tennessee Lottery to help fund the two-year scholarship program for rising high school juniors who are interested in earning their degree from a community college while they also work toward completing high school.
The Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program is open to Tennessee students who are admitted to, and enrolled in, an eligible public two-year community college that partners with a local school district to offer middle college courses beginning in the fall semester of a student’s junior year in high school. Under scholarship guidelines, students must also maintain a cumulative 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) during their duel enrollment semesters. An estimated 300 Tennessee high school students could benefit from the new Tennessee Middle College Scholarship program.
This program allows students an opportunity to enter the workforce upon graduation from high school and secure better paying jobs. It also assists those who are interested in earning their bachelor’s degree by alleviating the burden of debt that so many of our young people face in this day and age.
Tennessee Educators Protection Act of 2017
I proudly sponsored legislation (HB1196) protecting teachers, principals, volunteers, administrative staff and School Board members from frivolous lawsuits and pathways for seeking damages against knowingly false charges of criminal activity. The “Tennessee Educators Protections Act of 2017” expands previous liability protections to all school employees, authorized volunteers and school board members.
It was my sincere pleasure to write this legislation. I worked with all concerned groups from the Trial Lawyers, Superintendents Association to Teachers organizations and advocates for disabled children to provide sweeping protections against frivolous lawsuits. Our educators work tirelessly for our children, they deserve to be able to do their job without the fear of retaliatory threats and intimidation hanging over their heads.
Educational Opportunities for Tennessee National Guard
HB0530 – The Tennessee STRONG (Support, Training and Renewing Opportunity for National Guard) Act establishes a four-year pilot program for eligible members of the Tennessee National Guard to receive a last-dollar tuition reimbursement toward a first-time bachelor’s degree. It is part of a broader initiative by Republican lawmakers to help veterans, their families, and all those involved with protecting Tennessee and the United States.
Our military heroes make daily sacrifices so that we can enjoy safety and freedom. I supported this legislation because it ensures they will not have to sacrifice their educational dreams for fear of financial struggle.
Free College Tuition for Adults
The Tennessee Reconnect Act (HB 531) establishes a scholarship for adults to attend a community college tuition-free. There are over 900,000 adults in Tennessee who have some college but no degree. Tennessee adults without a certificate can already attend Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) tuition-free under the current Reconnect program. The Tennessee Reconnect Act adds community colleges to the program, funded through surplus lottery proceeds.
While I commend Gov. Haslam for his commitment to education and job training, I could not support The Reconnect Act because I simply could not justify a further expansion of higher education when our K-12 is so underfunded and being crushed under the weight of over $100,000,000 in unfunded mandates by the state. Those lottery surpluses should have gone to K-12 infrastructure first.
Strengthening Tennessee Campaign Finance Laws
Tennessee campaign finance laws were strengthened, with House Republicans leading the charge to require funds donated to a campaign be deposited and maintained in a traditional bank or credit union account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Under House Bill 704, any investment not authorized would be prohibited and the candidate, or in the case of a multicandidate political campaign committee, the treasurer, would be subject to a civil penalty by the Registry of Election Finance of not more than $10,000 or 115 percent of the amount invested.
The legislation also strengthens the state’s campaign finance laws by requiring that any interest, dividends, or income earned on campaign funds by an investment be reported on the candidate’s financial disclosure.
Broadband Accessibility Act Passed Successfully
House Bill 529, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, permits Tennessee’s nonprofit electric cooperatives to provide retail broadband service while also providing $45 million over three years in grants and tax credits for service providers to assist in making broadband available to underserved homes and businesses. In addition, the plan makes grant funding available to the state’s local libraries to help residents improve their digital literacy skills and maximize the benefits of broadband.
Tennessee ranks 29th in the country for broadband access, with 13 percent of the state lacking accessibility to high speed internet. While only 2 percent of the state’s urban citizens lack access, 34 percent of rural residents are without coverage, placing them at a distinct disadvantage over their city counterparts.
I want to commend Gov. Haslam for his support of this legislation. This is a great beginning; this act is a reasonable, responsible path to improve broadband access through investment, deregulation and education.
Driverless Vehicles on Tennessee Roads
While the bill allows the deployment, and use of autonomous vehicles on public roads within the state of Tennessee, the new law only applies to vehicle manufacturers who wish to design and test their vehicles on public roads. These manufacturers will be liable for any damages their vehicles cause where the vehicle is at fault. However, the manufacturer will not be liable if anyone has tampered with the autonomous software without the manufacturer’s consent. I voted against this legislation because the autonomous technology is still in its infancy, and I was not prepared to risk the lives and safety of Tennesseans on technology that is unproven.
Upholding the Constitution & 2nd Amendment Rights Strengthened
House Bill 508 creates a private cause of action for a party that is adversely affected by a local ordinance, resolution, policy, rule, or other enactment on firearms preempted by state law. This bill would prohibit local government entities from prohibiting or restricting firearms on government property unless certain conditions are met.
Local government can lose their current legal protections against lawsuits when the court dispute involves restrictions on carrying weapons in a park, zoo, auditoriums and the like. They are stripped of immunity unless they buy metal detectors, hire security staff, check bags and take other security precautions.
There are some public buildings not covered by the bill, including mental health facilities, school property and property used for school activities, buildings where there are judicial proceedings, and law enforcement buildings.
Tennessee Freedom of Speech Act
HB1199 is a critical bill that protects a citizen’s right to express their political freedom of speech. It is one of the first pieces of legislation in the nation to successfully guarantee a citizen’s right to display political signs on the property they own and maintain in a HOA (Home Owner’s Associations).
I’ve worked in hundreds of campaigns over the last 30 years, and one consistent problem has been the blatant violation and or misinterpretation of the 1995 and 2015 Supreme Court decisions that guarantees a person’s constitutional right to display political signs on private property.
The legislation does not mention sign regulation for non-political signage. It will be up to local governments to conform their codes to this legislation and make those local codes constitutional when dealing with non-political signs such as commercial. It states that local governments may not restrict the number of total signs on a property, but may have reasonable restrictions on individual sign quantities of each message, candidate or issue.
This legislation is not retroactive regarding HOAs, covenants, and restrictions. It only applies to such agreements going forward or when changed. However, local codes, regulations and planning are effective July 1, 2017 and must come into compliance.
Additional Protections Against Child Predators
Communities across Tennessee already rely on the state’s sex offender registry to track and monitor convicted offenders who have moved into permanent residences upon release from prison.
House Bill 404 enables law enforcement officials to monitor offenders convicted of child rape or a child sexual predator offense who may not have a permanent address by requiring them to enroll in a satellite-based monitoring and supervision program. Anyone in Tennessee who has been convicted of a crime against a child on or after July 1, 2017 that does not have a permanent or secondary address must enroll in the program and remain in it for the duration of their parole term.
Stop Child Predators, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child exploitation and other crimes against children, estimates that 1 in 5 girls are exploited before they reach adulthood.
The new monitoring system will allow law enforcement to determine if probation or parole has been violated by showing the location of the sexual offender, regardless of whether they have a permanent address. This legislation adds an additional layer of protection for Tennessee children against predators.
Defining the Meaning of Ordinary Words
HB1111 passed into law this session. It requires that undefined words be given their natural and ordinary meaning, without forced or subtle construction that would limit or extend the meaning of the language, except when a contrary intention is clearly manifest. This legislation is similar to HB0033 (Stalled in House and Senate Committees), which specifically singles out “husband”, “wife”, “mother”, and “father” as words that should be given their natural and ordinary meaning.
Liberal activist judges continue their assault on the constitution and traditional American values that have sustained us for over 240 years. I voted for this legislation (HB1111) and support HB0033 because Judges do not have the authority or constitutional right to rewrite laws and define values. That is strictly a legislative and ballot process.
Protection for the Unborn
I proudly co-sponsored this legislation that protects the lives of Tennessee’s unborn children. House Bill 1189, also known as the Tennessee Infants Protection Act, prohibits abortions — except in medical emergency — after 24 weeks and requires testing to determine viability of an unborn child if a woman is at least 20 weeks pregnant. It also holds physicians who perform late-term abortions accountable for their actions. Similar legislation has already passed in more than 20 other states.
This historic legislation that protects Tennessee’s unborn children and gives them the opportunity for life. I said I would protect the unborn and that is what I’ve done. This legislation is another important victory for Tennessee children, mothers, and families.
